Emanuel Wields Power Freely, and Faces the Risks

Here's a guy we didn't vote for, who's wielding incredible power, and is essentially totally focused on 'raising money, mobilizing interest groups, and harvesting the latest policy ideas from research groups.' One day he's talking about rising deficits and cutting back stimulus and a week later he's talking about a 2nd stimulus plan. Are these good for the country considered decisions or politically considered decisions? - MBC

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/16/us/politics/16emanuel.html?_r=1&th&emc=th

"...He knows how to pull all the levers of influence in Washington — raising money, mobilizing interest groups and harvesting the latest policy ideas from research groups. At the same time, his relentless campaign-style approach sometimes leaves some colleagues worried they spend too much time reacting to events.

At times, it seems as if Mr. Emanuel is White House chief of staff, political director, legislative director and communications director all rolled into one. He has fingers in almost every decision, like who gets invited to social events at the White House and how to shape economic and foreign policy..."

"...Mr. Emanuel is more involved in domestic and foreign policy than outsiders realize, colleagues said..."

"...At one staff meeting this summer, Mr. Emanuel and colleagues discussed whether rising deficits justified scaling back stimulus spending, one participant said. A week or so later, the discussion had turned 180 degrees. Concerned the stimulus was not working, the group discussed a second stimulus plan..."